It’s too early for golf jokes but quickly getting late for playoff hopes.

The Senators will play Game 31 of the season Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Canadian Tire Centre and a look at the NHL standings reveals a harsh reality.

Coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Maple Leafs Saturday, the Senators trailed Toronto by eight points going into Sunday’s visit by the Bruins to the Air Canada Cente. Yes, there’s 50 games left, but the winning must start now.